New graduate RN! Difficulty finding a job!

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Hello nurses!

I just graduated December 20,2009 as a RN, BSN and it is so tough to find a job right now. :mad:

I live in the Silicon Valley and it is like a war zone here! I am willing to relocate, possibly to Florida or Oregon but my priority is still in California. Any tips on what I can do? I am applying to volunteer at a Diabetes Society. I am also in the process of getting my application reviewed for RN transtion program, which is a program where I work four months with a mentor for free. I have been searching for a job every day for 3-4 hours, I feel very discouraged :crying2:. I am also very nervous to start my career as a nurse, I lack confidence and bombed my first panel interview :crying2:. Any advice, tips, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you :redbeathe

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Specializes in diabetes.

I had this same issue, if you are willing to relocate there are definitely a lot of areas that are high need. I know Texas is one of them. I understand about the new nursing thing.... i'm a new grad too and am working home health, thus far i feel like i am LOSING my knowledge because i'm doing the same old stuff every day. I'm there for the experience and am still applying for residency programs. You should start looking for residency programs and see what happens. Good luck!

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Thank you! I am actually looking into jail, prison, and skill nursing homes. I am willing to work anywhere! I was so nervous at my first panel interview I forgot a few answers and said " I don't know". I am more prepared for my next interview. Do you know if it is easy to find a job if you work at a skill nursing facility? Also, is it difficult to find a job after you are no longer a new graduate RN?:)

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Specializes in diabetes.

I'm still a new grad, hehe. i passed my boards in december! I think its always easy to find SOME job, just not a job you want. The ones you want are generally the ones everyone else wants too so its highly competitive :( It certainly makes it easier to find a job if you have experience (which is why i'm currently working at a spot i'm not ecstatic about)

In terms of interviews- i think the biggest thing to remember is that taking a long moment to pause, think, and be okay with the silence before you answer makes a HUGE difference.

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Hi Donnuh,

I know how you feel..I'm kinda a new grad too..graduated last year having my BSN as well.Congratulations to you!you've made it..next step finding a job!I live in San Diego,CA..and yes its pretty tough looking for a job here in Cali especially for new grads..the hospitals need experienced RN!After days and days of searching i finally gave a shot at a nursing home and been working there for 5 months already.Its not bad for starters cuz you will learn alot in the beginning but as you get used to the routine you come to a point werein you want to learn somthing more.I'm resigning there in a couple days cuz iv already found a job in Texas..in Texas theyr really hiring new grads in hospitals.If you want the experience you need,two years on ur belt and ur good to go find another hospital..experience is really what you need on ur first two years of working as a RN,so alittle sacrifice is worth it esp whats happening in cali nowadays..

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Thank you my fellow new graduate nurses! I am actually willing to relocate to Texas, a bit nervous about the idea, but 1-2 years of sacrifice is needed for this economy. I spoke to a nurse recruiter who informed me about that. It is great that you guys found jobs kudos! :yeah:I live in California too and it is really tough! I thought it was only in the Bay Area! I did not know that nurses jobs are competitive in Southern California too! Thank you for all your advice and encouragement. :redbeathe

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where in Texas??perhaps?

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Specializes in diabetes.

I have a friend who went to a place REALLY close to mexico he can quote- walk across.

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Anywhere! I do not have relatives there, nor do I know anybody. I am afraid that the stress/pressure of a new job plus a new move would be difficult, but I am willing to sacrifice.

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Are you talking about Eagle Pass,Texas?because thats on the border of mexico..I'm going there by the end of this month to settle.I've already took a tour there a couple weeks ago..and I love the hospital :)

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Oh! I also wanted to add, one of my classmates applied at Texas and got interviewed but they rejected him. They told him his gpa was too low! The gpa requirement was 4.0! That really discouraged me. The flight to Texas and licensure there is not cheap! :mad:

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Specializes in diabetes.

Maybe! I'll ask him! :)

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